FAQ

Please note - we will not answer any questions or enquiries by email that have already been covered in the FAQ.

If you have a complaint about a BBC programme or website, please direct it to BBC Complaints.

What do I have to include with my script?
You should always include your contact details. As a general rule, information about the characters and story should come across in the script itself – if you feel the need to include additional information, then perhaps you ought to look again at how well your script is working. If you are submitting an episode from a series/serial, then you should include an outline of further episodes. It is not essential, but you can also send in a brief writing CV to give an idea of any experience you might have. Please also include a SSAE so that we can return your script.

Can I send more than one script?
We only accept one script at a time from individual writers, and in the case of a series we can only consider one full episode. You should also avoid submitting the same script to various BBC departments and producers at the same time.

Can I send in a revised draft of my script?
No - we won't read further drafts of scripts that have been rejected previously, and we don't enter into correspondence with writers unless their script is being developed further. In the case of a series or serial, if one episode is rejected we cannot consider another episode – your next script must be an entirely new piece of work.

Can I email my script to writersroom?
No, we don't accept scripts sent in via email or fax. Please send a hard copy of your script through the post and include an SSAE for return.

Do you accept scripts from overseas?
No, though we will accept scripts from non-British writers who are resident in the UK or Eire. The only exception to this is if you are a British writer who is temporarily overseas - if so, then please email us at writersroom@bbc.co.uk to notify us in advance of submitting a script.

I have written a series - can I send it all to writersroom?
We would need to see the script of one completed episode, together with an outline of any future episodes you may have written – don't send in the whole series.

Can I submit a DVD, VHS, CD, or audio tape of my work?
No, we can only consider scripts at the BBC writersroom. Recording an amateur version of your script can be a fun way of trying out your ideas – but it isn't the best way to promote your work to professionals in the industry.

Can I send in an episode written for Doctors, EastEnders, or other shows?
We don't accept 'spec' episodes for existing shows – BBC writersroom are looking for talented writers on the basis of original work that shows a clear ability to create unique characters, plots and dialogue. So please send in an original script as an example of your talent.

Can I submit my stage play?
We consider all submissions primarily as evidence of writer talent, and only secondarily as projects in their own right. Our readers are experienced in reading for theatre as well as radio, television, and film, and we are happy to receive stage plays as an example of your work. We won't consider adapting an unsolicited stage play at your own request – if you would like it to be considered for further development, you should submit an appropriately adapted script.

Will you adapt my novel into a screenplay?
No, BBC writersroom does not assess novels with a view to adaptation - we only accept completed scripts, and our primary remit is to find and champion scriptwriting talent.

I'm writing a script adaptation of someone else's novel - will you read it?
No, though we will read a script adaptation of your own novel. Please note, however, that we will not accept anything written in prose, including the original unadapted work.

Do you accept proposals, pitches, or treatments?
No, BBC writersroom can only consider fully-scripted drama and narrative comedy in order to accurately assess writer talent.

Can I submit an idea for a programme?
Unfortunately, BBC writersroom only considers full scripts for drama and comedy, and cannot accept ideas or pitches for programmes. Good ideas are never in short supply – what we are looking for are writers who can deliver a completed script. For information on submitting ideas to the BBC, please visit the commissioning website.

Can I submit sketches or sketch shows?
No, we are unable to consider sketches or sketch shows. BBC sketch shows on television currently don't accept unsolicited material, but there are opportunities for sketch writing on some radio shows (which is where many of today's top comedy writers started out). More information is available by going to the Opportunities page and by reading the Radio Entertainment guidelines.

Will you read my short story?
No, we cannot accept prose submissions at writersroom - we only consider fully scripted comedy and drama.

How will I know if my script has arrived safely?
Once your script has arrived we will send an acknowledgment card to you through the post, together with a reference number which should reach you within four weeks. If you haven't received anything within four weeks, please contact us.

When will I get a response?
After sending you an acknowledgement card, we try to consider and return all scripts within four months from the date of acknowledgement. The length of time the assessment process takes depends on how far your script progresses (please see the unsolicited script system flowchart for more information). It can also depend on how many scripts we receive at any given time, and on our other work commitments.

Does it help if I have an agent?
This has no bearing on your submission. We are happy to accept work from writers who don't have an agent, and we assess each script on its own merits.

Why is there no feedback with my returned script?
We read the first ten pages of all scripts that come to us and which meet our guidelines. Those scripts which show real promise are given a full read and will receive written feedback. We receive approximately 10,000 scripts every year, and we simply do not have the resources to fully read and feed back on all scripts. BBC writersroom cannot offer any further feedback than that received with the return of your script unless we decide to take your work further.

What script format should I use?
You can see examples of produced scripts in our script archive, but you don't have to follow format examples too slavishly in order to submit work to BBC writersroom. All we ask is that the script sent to us is typed, pages numbered, double-spaced, clearly laid out and printed on one side of A4 only. Our Script Smart formatting tool is available to help as a template, but please remember this is intended for guidance, not as a prerequisite for having your script fully read.

How long should my script last? Does one page equal one minute?
As long as your script is more than ten pages long, we will consider it. The minute-to-a-page measure is a useful rule-of-thumb for screenplay formatting, but isn't a cast iron formula as it ultimately depends on the style of the piece.

Generally speaking a half-hour sitcom would come in between 25 and 35 pages, an hour-long drama between 50-70 pages, and a feature film between 90-120 pages. Radio scripts vary so much in pacing and format that there's no real way to tell short of reading the piece aloud.

The best way to judge the length of your script is to time yourself reading it, allowing extra space for action. A group reading or performance is even more useful since each reader, like an actor, will deliver their lines of dialogue at a different pace.

I am having problems with Script Smart, can you help?
As Script Smart is a free formatting tool, it has limited technical support available other than the associated help documentation. It is recommended that further help is gained by reading the Script Smart FAQ. It is also worth bearing in mind that Script Smart is a guide only and is in no way compulsory for submitting your script to the BBC.

Does Script Smart work on any other platforms?
Unfortunately we do not have the resources to develop Script Smart for Windows Vista, Linux, or Word 2007. As an alternative, Microsoft provide a screenplay template for Word. There are also various dedicated scriptwriting programmes available including Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, and CeltX, which is available for free.

How can I safeguard/copyright my script?
The copyright of all scripts sent to the BBC rests with the writer - nothing formal need be done to copyright work before you send it in to us. Writers are often anxious that their work may be stolen or plagiarised. Similarities in writers' ideas, material, and scripts occur surprisingly often – in a recent sitcom competition, four scripts from different writers used the same idea, situation and title. BBC writersroom isn't looking for ideas for production in the first instance – we are primarily looking for scripts that show a real talent and potential in the writer. For further information on legally protecting your work, you may wish to contact the Writers' Guild of Great Britain.